May 21, 2026 - Things to Do

10 events to enjoy Memorial Day weekend in San Diego

Kate Murphy

Colorful street parade with a large pink elephant costume center, dancers in bright outfits, musicians in teal shirts, and onlookers along the road under string lights. — The zoo is now open late with nighttime activities and entertainment all summer. Photo: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

It's Memorial Day weekend, and if you don't want to spend every day at the beach, here's what's happening around San Diego.

🐅 Explore the zoo at night, when it has live music, acrobats, dancers, and other entertainment with nocturnal wildlife.

This is the final summer for this nighttime experience, which runs Friday through Aug. 9.

🎶 Catch the Kesha concert at the amphitheatre in Chula Vista on Saturday.

🤣 Laugh out loud with the thought-provoking stand-up comedian W. Kamau Bell at Mic Drop Comedy Friday through Sunday.

⚾ Watch the Padres take on the Athletics at Petco Park in a Star Wars-themed weekend with a KidsFest and fireworks show. Sadly, the Jackson Merrill Jedi bobbleheads are sold out.

Some paws-itive news: You'll be sitting with pups at the park at Monday's game against the Phillies.

🦖 Join Nat at Night's weekly rooftop party and sip cocktails through museum exhibits on Friday.

🛍️ Peruse the new summer farmer's market and concert series at Mission Valley Mall on Saturday.

🎉 Bop around the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival on Saturday.

🧘🏼‍♀️Find some oceanfront zen with yoga at Sunset Cliffs on Sunday.

🍓Take your family to the Vista Strawberry Festival on Sunday for fruity treats, rides, fun runs, live music, shopping and a beer garden.

🎖️Honor the military's legacy by visiting the USS Midway Museum, which is one of many places countywide hosting tribute events, exhibitions and memorials all weekend.

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10 events to enjoy Memorial Day weekend in San Diego

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